26 May 2016

On May 25, 2016 the Athabasca RCMP Detachment received numerous phone calls from the public advising that they have been contacted by the Canada Revenue Agency stating that they owe money in taxes. As the conversation continues, callers are being advised that they will have warrants for their arrest put out if they do not pay the charges. The person on the telephone tells the victim that they can pay off their debt in Itunes cards from Apple. In some instances, the caller advised the victim that if they do not pay, they will have social services remove their children from their care.

PUBLIC REMINDER - THIS IS NOT LEGITMATE

The RCMP would like to once again remind the public that CRA does not extort money from people who owe tax monies. At no time will CRA threaten to issue warrants for arrest or have children removed from your care. At no time with CRA ask that a client pay their debt off with Itunes cards, gift cards, wired money transfer or money orders.

If in doubt, please contact CRA yourself to ensure that the debt is legitimate.

The RCMP also ask that local business owners/employees ensure that people purchasing large amounts of gift cards know about this new form of fraud so that their customers who may not be aware of this fraud, are aware.

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.If you have any information in respect to the above or any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

25 May 2016

In conjunction with the Alberta Traffic Safety Action Plan the Morinville RCMP would like to inform the public of some information and statistics in relation to Commercial and Passenger Vehicle Safety.

All users of the roads you must learn to share the road with all types of vehicles including commercial trucks, taxis, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Here are some of the key messages in regards to sharing the road with Commercial / Passenger Vehicles:

·Stay out of blind spots! Stay far enough behind big trucks so that you can see both side mirrors on the truck.If you can’t see the truck driver, they can’t see you either!

·Never cut in front of vehicles.

·Allow yourself extra time to pass a commercial vehicle.

·Signal well in advance when planning to turn or change lanes.

·If you are driving beside a truck, watch for turn signals as trucks require a wide turning radius.

·Slower moving traffic must be in the right hand lane.

·When towing a trailer, use the appropriate hookups including safety chains and wiring so that tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are activated by the towing vehicle.

·Share the road.

·Pull over when feeling tired – it could save your or someone else’s life.

·Be alert to the actions of oncoming drivers and other drivers at intersections.

·If you are a commercial vehicle driver, remember to complete proper trip inspections to ensure your vehicle is in good operating condition.

·If driving a commercial vehicle, ensure your vehicle is within the allowed weight limits to prevent damage to the road.

Same Further Facts to Know in relation to Commercial Vehicles:

·The occupants of a passenger vehicle are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash with a large vehicle because of the physical differences in weight, stopping distance and rollover potential.

·Fatigue can play a role in large vehicle collisions. Truck drivers were more likely than all drivers in casualty collisions to be fatigued or asleep at the time of the crash. Almost half (48.5 per cent of the truck tractor drivers who were fatigued and involved in a casualty collision crashed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

·Trucks will usually swing slightly to the left before making a right hand turn; do not assume the driver is turning left.

·Leave at least three metres between your vehicle and the rear of a truck stopped at a light or stop sign, especially on a hill.

·It is not safe to drive beside a large truck. Trucks have large blind spots and the driver might not be able to see you.

·Large vehicles take longer to stop than passenger vehicles. This increased braking time is due to a number of factors including the size and weight of the vehicle, condition of the vehicle’s brakes and temperature of the brakes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are “No Zones”?

"No Zones" are a truck's blind spots. These areas include both sides of the truck not covered by the rear-view and side mirrors, the space immediately in front of and behind the truck and the right front of the cab. These blind spots are much larger than those of a passenger vehicle.

How do I stay visible?

If you are driving behind a truck and cannot see both of its side mirrors, then you are too close. If you can’t see the truck driver’s face in the side mirrors, they can’t see you.

How do I safely pass a commercial vehicle?

Passing a commercial vehicle requires more time and space than passing a car. On a two-lane road, signal your intention to pass and, once the way is clear, don’t hesitate. It is safe to move back into the right-hand lane when you can see the entire truck in your rear-view mirror.

What should I do if it’s raining and I have to pass a commercial vehicle?

You should set your windshield wipers to the highest speed before passing.

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.If you have any information in respect any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

24 May 2016

As I was telling you in my May Feature we now have a new liaison officer, Cpl Clint Gulash. We welcome Cpl Gulash and look forward to working with him.

The following introductory note is from Cpl. Gulash.

Francoise Meunier

Pres SRCWA

Hello,

My name is Cpl Clint Gulash and I am the new Rural Crime Liaison from the Morinville Detachment. I just transferred here from Didsbury in March. I look forward to working with you all and just wanted to introduce myself and thank you for all the work that you do. You all provide a valuable service to the community in sharing information and staying informed about what is occurring in your area. Additionally, you are an extra set of eyes and ears that assist us (the police) in our day to day operations. Being vigilant and calling in any suspicious activity only helps to create safer neighbourhoods and communities. You are an invaluable resource that we rely upon. Please keep up the great work and together we will work towards and maintain safe communities we can all be proud of.

On May 16, 2016 at 12:48 pm unknown individual(s) kicked in a door of a rural residence in Sturgeon County and stole a TV, Camera and some men’s jewellery.RCMP are urging the public to protect themselves with house alarms, security lights, security cameras and join rural crime watch programs to help deter thieves.Please report any additional information to the Morinville RCMP. File # 2016-311055

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.If you have any information in respect to this incident or know of any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

23 May 2016

On May 20, 2016 at approximately 4:00 a.m. Morinville RCMP responded to a break, enter & theft at the AL RAZZAQ Food and Gas Convenience Store located near Highway 37 and Highway 2 in Sturgeon County, Alberta. An ATM, cigarettes, and a cash register were stolen.

Three persons broke into the store by breaking the glass window on the front door. The suspects entered the store, one person threw a rope over the ATM while the driver pulled the ATM out. The other suspect grabbed packs of cigarettes along with the cash register that had an unknown amount of cash.The three suspects were all wearing clothing that covered their face, and they were all wearing gloves. The store was not open at the time of the theft.

The suspects then left the area and headed south on highway 2 towards St. Albert in astolen green Ford F250 extended cab pick- up.The stolen vehicle was recovered later unattended that morning by Morinville RCMP.

The Morinville RCMP is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects involved in these crimes.

The suspects are described as:

Suspect 1:

Male

Plaid, checkered jacket with white hoody underneath

Wearing light colored gloves

Jeans

Dark boots

Height: approx. 5’9” – 6’

Stocky build

Suspect 2:

Male

Dark overalls with light colored hoody underneath

Dark gloves

Dark boots

Height approx. 6’

Medium build

Suspect 3:

Gender unknown

Light color hoody jacket

Dark gloves

Baggy pants

Dark boots

Height approx. 5’8” – 5’9”

Heavy build

If you have any information, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4520.If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or via the internet at www.tipsubmit.com. You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers and if you provide information to Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest you may be eligible for a cash reward.

On May 14, 2016 a member of the community reported that someone had stolen a number of building supply materials from their new home in the area of Range Road 275 near Calahoo. A black Honda Civic with an Ontario License Plate was spotted near the scene the next afternoon and may be considered a suspect or a witness. (See attached photos)

If anyone has any additional information that may lead to a suspect please contact Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550.

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.If you have any information in respect to this incident or know of any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

During the early hours of May 22, 2016 at approx 0500 someone drove up to a rural residence on Range Rd 271 and kicked in a basement door. The culprits were scared off by an alarm.

Morinville RCMP did manage to get a photo of the tire marks (see below).

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 and reference File 2016-622830

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.If you have any information in respect to this incident or know of any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1.

On March 31, 2016 Morinville RCMP received a call from a concerned citizen that a male named Michael MALLER of the RBC Fraud Squad 416-444-7245called asking if they had made a cash advance of $600 against their visa.The citizen stated that was a fraudulent transaction.MALLER then directed the citizen to go to Money Mart and send a wire transfer to China in the amount of $900 as the fraud department is located in China only sends back funds in the amount of $1500.The RCMP are urging the public to never send money over the phone or wire transfers to any company without verifying the validity of the amount or source.Please report any additional information to the Morinville RCMP. 2016-374213

On May 14, 2016 Morinville RCMP received a call that CRA were again calling individuals and requesting they sent money to pay outstanding balances on accounts.The RCMP are urging the public to never send money over the phone to any company without verifying the validity of the amount or source.Please report any additional information to the Morinville RCMP. 2016-584222

19 May 2016

Morinville, Alta. – With the assistance of Morinville RCMP, a Capital Region Integrated Traffic Services member arrested two men during a traffic stop on Highway 44.Both men were found to be breaching a number of court ordered conditions.

At 3:20 p.m. on May 18, 2016, the Integrated Traffic Services member pulled over the vehicle south of the Hamlet of Villeneuve, in Sturgeon County for a non moving traffic violation.

53-year-old Kevin James Roth of Edmonton, Alberta was on conditions of release, for several property crime related charges pending out of Edmonton Police Services' jurisdiction as well as Stony Plain’s court jurisdiction.An investigation was conducted once he failed to provide his name to the police officer.He is now facing charges of Obstruct Police Officer, Drive while Disqualified and four new counts of Failing to Comply with Recognizance Conditions.He is also charged with three violations of the provincial Traffic Safety Act.He is in police custody with a court date of May 26, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in Morinville Provincial Court via CCTV.

The 48-year-old passenger, Wally Allan Gerrior of Spruce Grove, Alberta, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Sherwood Park, Alberta.He, too, was on several release conditions stemming from 11 charges out of Whitecourt’s court jurisdiction, including uttering threats and weapons related charges.He is charged with three new counts of Failing to Comply with a Recognizance.Gerrior was denied bail and remains in police custody.He is remanded to attend court via CCTV on June 2, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in Morinville Provincial Court.

“There is no such thing as a routine traffic stop,” says Staff Sergeant Riz Suleman, the Detachment Commander of Morinville Detachment.“Our members are trained to be alert to all dangerous and illicit activity, from driving infractions that endanger others to suspects wanted on outstanding arrest warrants.”

The outcomes of this traffic stop are in line with priorities identified in the Morinville RCMP detachment’s Annual Performance Plan which include identifying and arresting prolific offenders who fail to comply with the court ordered conditions placed upon them.

Morinville RCMP Detachment

This message is made possible by the Sturgeon Rural Crime Watch Association in partnership with the Morinville RCMP.If you have any information in respect to this incident or know of any crime or criminal activity, please call the Morinville RCMP at 780-939-4550 or Toll Free at 780-459-7689.

Sturgeon Victim Services is holding it's 18th annual golf tournament at Sandpiper Golf course on Monday June 13, 2016. We still have spots open for golfers if anyone is interested in putting in a team or golfing as a single.

The cost is $110.00 per person with all proceeds going to Victim Services. Entry fee covers 18 holes of golf, steak dinner, breakfast, golf cart and various food and beverage holes on the course. There is a opportunity to win door prizes and a 50/50 at the dinner. We will gladly accept donations for our raffle.

We are also looking for volunteers for the day for a variety of positions. People can volunteer all day or for specific time slots.

18 May 2016

I had so much to tell you in my May Feature that I am doing it in two parts.

Mayor Flynn and his wife attended our meeting and he presented us with a cheque for $2,000.00 on behalf of the Sturgeon County/Protective Services. We greatly appreciate the donation and we thank them very much for their support. We continue to be well supported by County Councillors Susan Evans and Patrick Tighe.

Sturgeon County Protective Services was represented at our meeting by Ken Lauinger. He advised us that they have a new member on staff and that we will have a member attend all meetings. Bill Willocks, a Peace Officer attended our meetings for several years. Thank you Bill for all the reports and information you provided us. The following is information regarding office hours and telephone numbers for Protective Services.

780-939-8418 is the office number – if it is after hours, please listen to the recording carefully as the cell number is provided. The hours for Protective Services are as follows;

April to the end of October Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

November to the end of March Monday to Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The new Protective Services Building on Highway 37 and South on RR 252 will have their Grand Opening on Saturday June 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. Any of our members who would like to attend are more than welcome.

Cpl. Clint Gulash, a new member to the Morinville Detachment is our liaison officer. We were pleased to meet him and look forward to working with him. Cpl. Gulash mentioned that a group such as ours is valuable to the RCMP in that we are the “eyes and ears” of the community. As members we are very aware to observe, document and report any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in our areas. It is incredibly important that we call in our concerns. We may think it is insignificant but it may mean the difference between a crime being solved and not. Due to time constraints and manpower, our concerns may not be acted upon right away but they will be on file and dealt with in a timely manner.

The month of May brings the beginning of the parades and our first one is on Saturday May 28th in St Albert. We will receive our parade number and line up location on May 26th and I will forward the information. If anyone is interested in joining us you are welcome to do so.